SNOWsat

Help from above

SNOWsat is a professional slope and fleet management system with snow depth measurement, which is based on satellite-guided positioning.

Snow depth measurementThe current position of the snow groomer is continually plotted to an accuracy of a few centimeters. The value that results after deducting the vehicle height is then compared with the depth value of a digital terrain model (reference depth) stored in the system. The snow depth at the current vehicle position is the difference between these two heights.

InfrastructurePrecise positioning is essential for high-accuracy snow depth measurement. This requires correction signals, which eliminate system-related inaccuracies, increasing positioning accuracy still further. The SNOWsat base station calculates these figures using GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO satellite signals. The correction signals are sent to the snow groomers directly or with the help of repeaters. These may be required to guarantee optimum reception in ski resorts with complex topography. In the snow groomer the GNSS receiver and the on-board computer continually calculate position, snow depth and other vehicle data, record it and present it on the touchscreen in the driver's cab. When the vehicle is within range of a SNOWsat WiFi access point the data is automatically transmitted to the SNOWsat server and stored there.

Slope and fleet managementThe analysis software being used with SNOWsat enables the slope and fleet managers to access diverse information and perform additional analysis processes. This results in diverse effects: optimized workflows and vehicle routes, for example, increase efficiency and also reduce fuel consumption. Vehicle data and snow depths are displayed easily and clearly on a map of the ski resort. The production of man-made snow is one of the biggest cost factors in a ski resort. SNOWsat delivers detailed information on which snow guns need to be activated and when. This enables the resort to optimize use of the snow groomers and produce snow only as needed. An enormous financial advantage, which covers the investment costs in a surprisingly short time.

Orientation and safetySNOWsat also provides the driver with an overview of all important information. It actively supports orientation around the site - regardless of the weather or visibility conditions. In addition to displaying snow depths, slope edges, snowmaking facilities, roads and paths, the system also warns drivers of danger zones and alerts them to the presence of other snow groomers and their winch ropes, if these vehicles are equipped with SNOWsat systems.

Vehicle systemYour PistenBully or even a third-party vehicle are equipped with the chosen SNOWsat vehicle system. This can be done either ex works or locally in the ski resort. There are various systems to choose from, individually tailored for slope management and/or complete fleet management.

How it works!

High saving and optimisation potentials, plus many additional benefits, make SNOWsat a worthwhile investment in the future for any ski resort

Advantages

Advantages

15 %* less man-made snow
Snow produced only as needed
Real-time display of snow depth in the vehicle
Accuracy of snow depth measurement to within +/- 3 cm

Fuel consumption

8 %* less fuel consumption
Saving thanks to optimized routes and more economical driving
Real-time display of tracks taken

Less operating time

5 %* less operating time
Reduction through analysis and optimization of operating tasks

Installation from A-Z

The licence for radio communication had been granted and a frequency assigned – but the signal noise prevailed. The radio authority came and could rapidly solve all problems.

Hand in Hand. Completely equipping a whole ski resort with SNOWsat requires comprehensive preparation and a considerable amount of knowledge. We accompanied our customer service engineer, Tobias Kirsamer, during the installation in Poland and the Czech Republic.

Being involved from the very beginningTobias Kirsamer works in technical customer service and is responsible for, among others, Eastern European countries. He established initial contacts as early as June because he was brought on board during the sales negotiations to provide professional support to the decision makers - in Kotelnica - Białka Tatrzańska, Poland and Jasna, Slovakia - and to remove possible concerns. At that time, he already clarified details such as individual requirements as well as data and infrastructure that the ski resorts needed to provide on their own. Together with plant and workshop managers, IT specialists and the external surveyor, he inspected the ski resort and the possible locations for the base station and the repeater, to guarantee optimum reception. In the summer of 2016, both ski resorts decided to completely equip their fleets with SNOWsat. In Jasna, they ordered three new PistenBully 600 SCR including SNOWsat, which were delivered in the fall. In Kotelnica, one new vehicle and eight existing ones, from which two were third-party vehicles, had to be equipped with SNOWsat on-site.

Good preparation is everything!After the initial planning and communication takes place, a lot of emails and phone calls follow. Tobias discusses the circumstances with his local contacts. A terrain model has to be contracted out and the server of the ski resort's IT department has to be prepared. Tobias identifies the best location for the base station and the repeater using a simulation program. A location with a good view is, based on experience, also the perfect location for the station, but control is everything! At the same time, the ski resorts apply for a license at the frequency authority. A good thing because later on Tobias will have to deal with a serious frequency disturbance...

Let's go! Installation!"The most important part of such a project is careful preparation," says Tobias Kirsamer. "The ski resorts in Poland and the Czech Republic are more than 1,000 km away. Therefore, it is not only inconvenient, but also extremely expensive when something goes wrong or is missing." That being said, Tobias is well prepared. Some of the necessary components and his tools travel with him in his car. The rest is delivered by truck at the same time. On site, he works together with the technicians of the respective PistenBully representation. "This makes communication easier because Polish and Czech languages are over my head!" Together with the ski resort's staff, they start installing the base station and the repeater. "Here, you have to be able to improvise. Try soldering an antenna cable at minus 10 degrees! In Jasna, we prepared the cables and the base station box inside and installed it later on outside on the weather station's mast." However, there is always something: In this particular installation, the requested frequency showed disturbances, which can cause difficulties in measuring the snow depth.

Homework Clarification with the frequency authority is done by the ski resort and fortunately, they quickly receive an interference-free frequency. Back in Laupheim, Tobias remotely installs the programs on the server - as soon as the terrain model is available - clarifies last details and prepares everything for the next visit.

Finally! All set for the winter!Now everything should work. The ski-resort-specific software is automatically installed in the client's vehicle systems. Tobias puts each one in operation and makes sure that everything runs smoothly. Now, his night shift starts and he takes extra time for that. He spends two nights riding along with everyone in Kotelnica, switches from vehicle to vehicle and explains the system, operation and the many application possibilities to each driver on the screen. "That is always a very intense time. The drivers learn the most here. And so do I!" Because driving the vehicles is the easiest way to find out if everything is running smoothly. Tobias tests small adjustments right in the vehicle and imports them into the system the following morning. "In the beginning, it can happen that the accuracy varies by a few centimetres. But that is quickly corrected and afterwards I can be sure that it is right." However, in Kotelnica that was not necessary. "It was a showcase installation and everything ran like clockwork," says Jose Marek, our representative in Poland for more than 30 years.

Intensive training so everybody knows what to doThe following day, Tobias is back behind his computer again and installs the SNOWsat programs on the customer's workstations. From now on, every employee can work with SNOWsat on their PC. However, before that, Tobias will have to run an in-depth training for everyone involved. Everybody who is interested and especially those who have to work with it on a daily basis participate and learn everything about SNOWsat Web (CAN and Fleet) and SNOWsat Z.

Then they are ready to start. Tobias and his colleagues are always available for questions. However, the better the training, the fewer the questions...

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Arnold Holl
Jungholz

"SNOWsat has become a powerful tool for us in the preparation of outstanding slopes. We use it to decide when to move the snow-making systems."
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Brad Wilson
Diamond Peak

"The SNOWsat system provided and installed by PistenBully was extremely helpful for Diamond Peak being able to provide a quality experience to our customer."
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Anton Ostler
Bay. Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG

"We were able to test the system in winter 2012/2013. It impressed us immediately. Because ist saves real money – and saved us throughout the season during the past snow-poor winter."
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Jack Coughlin
Diamond Peak

"SNOWsat has been a valuable tool for grooming as well as for snowmaking. With this year’s low snow conditions the grooming staff is better able to manage the snow surface."
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Fernando Perathoner
S.I.T.C. S.p.A.

"Despite the warm weather last week we are not worried about the end of the season. We are very relaxed because we are superbly equipped."
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Martin Hug
Laax

“With just one partner you get to the goal faster and more cost-effectively. Take improved communication between the machines SNOWsat lays the base for that. We want to keep developing this.”
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Michael Maier
Sölden

"We are absolutely convinced by the efficiency. The snow depth measurement shows drivers the exact volume and location of the natural snow and artificial snow when they're engaged in secondary snow production."
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John Burton
Timberline Lodge

"Knowing where drop offs are is vital. SNOWsat will pay dividends down the road!”
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Michel Frison-Roche
Les Saisies

„The winters are getting ever more difficult, which makes machine-made snow ever more important to us. SNOWsat saved us this winter at the start of the season, which saw little snow production and little natural snow."
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Matthias In-Albon
Gstaad

"I had already known about SNOWsat for a while. The system has really been upgraded over the last few years."
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Tyler Fairbank
Jiminy Peak

"I would highly recommend it. We can’t imagine living without it!"
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Thomas Lingg
Imbergbahn

“We have been able to keep the valley downhill open for much longer. This means a six-figure income boost for us. We have invested our money really well here!”
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Marco Luggen and Toni Fuhrer
Grindelwald

"The main benefit we see is that drivers get their feedback 1:1 in the vehicle and can react straightaway to that."
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Stephan Schelbli
Titlis Bergbahnen

"Thanks to SNOWsat we can also offer perfect slopes in a snow-poor winter. The investment in snow management is worth it: skier days with us at Titlis are actually increasing."
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700 snow groomers have already been fitted with SNOWsat worldwide.

References

Klausberg Skiarena
Italy

Dantercepies S.P.A.
Italy

Jiminy Peak
USA

Schnalstaler Bergbahnen
Italy

Kotelnica
Poland

Les Houches
Frankreich

Tele Villars Gryon
Switzerland

Thüringer Wald
Deutschland

Réallon
France

Colfosco
Italien

Alta Badia
Italien

SIT Canazei
Italy

Levi
Finland

Funivie Madonna Di Campiglio
Italy

Les Saisies
France

Zugspitze Top of Germany
Germany

La Toussuire
France

Annaberg Lifte
Austria

Hochkrimmler Seilbahnen
Austria

Engelberg - Titlis
Switzerland

Hochkönig
Austria

Sierra Nevada
Spain

Söllereck Bahn
Germany

Les 2 Alpes 3600
France

Alpe D’Huez
France

Ski Juwel
Austria

Flumser Berg
Switzerland

Happy Gschwandtkopf Lifte
Austria

Isaberg
Sweden

Mount St. Louis
CANADA

JASNA
Slovakia

Imbergbahn Skiarena
Germany

Jungfrau Ski Region
Switzerland

Warth
Austria

Carosello
Italy

Almtal-Bergbahnen
Austria

Olympiaregion Seefeld
Austria

Gerlitzen-Kanzelbahn
Austria

Berg- & Skilift Hochsöll
Austria

Tourismusverband Kaprun
Austria

Rosshütte
Austria

Unterberghornbahnen
Austria

Gerlospass Königsleiten
Austria

Feldberg
Germany

Patscherkofel
Austria

St. Vigil
Italy

Männlichen
Switzerland

Sölden
Austria

Golm
Austria

Mariazeller Bürgeralpe
Austria

Heiligenblut
Austria

Stoos
Switzerland

Skiarea Miara
Italy

Meiringen-Hasliberg
Switzerland

Wurzeralm
Austria

Hinterstoder
Austria

Gstaad
Switzerland

St. Moritz
Switzerland

Val Thorens
Frankreich

Cardrona
New Zealand

Diamond Peak
United States

Orelle
France

Jungholz - Die Schneesicheren
Austria

Mottolino - Fun Mountain
Italy

Gemeindealpe
Austria

Weisse Arena
Switzerland

Every one of our existing customers has helped to make SNOWsat what it is today.

Val Thorens is one of the leading French ski resorts to have been equipped with SNOWsat. Denis Chapuis, Deputy Technical Manager and Head of Purchasing at lift operator SETAM, has learned to value the advantages of SNOWsat for the snow park and slopes of Val Thorens.

Competition-ready slopesVal Thorens regularly hosts international competitions. There will be two men's Skicross World Cups and the Snowboard Cross World Cup this winter. Denis Chapuis explains: "Competitions like this need huge volumes of snow and, thus, many machine hours. Of course that is just as true for general maintenance of skicross slopes and the snow park.We work systematically with SNOWsat, which enables us to rationalise the production and deployment of snow, machine use and slope maintenance. We no longer have to measure snow depth on foot and always know how the snow needs to be distributed for optimumuse of resources. Because the system is linked with our snow guns, snow management overall becomes more precise and saves time. SNOWsat can also create digital models of our snow park and skicross modules, which we then use as the base for replicas across the resort."

Building and remodelling the course in record timeFor the World Cup the skicross slope has to be converted to a snowboard crossslope in less than two days - a challenge in terms of widely different features. Yet Chapuis knows: "With SNOWsat we can do it". Thomas Girlando has completed special training for drivers. The FIS regularly entrusts him with building the features. So he knows what he's talking about: "Construction is difficult if temperatures are actually too high for good snow. The machines are fitted with SNOWsat for snow depth measurement. This means we cover the entire site and locate even the smallest snow reserves, which we can reallocate. We have set ourselves the goal of creating a perfect course. But for an event like the World Cup, which needs good images for TV, it is also important that the peripheral areas, i.e. the entire skiresort, have an even snow cover of a few centimetres."